Tough choices, Milt Sparks 55 BN or I-BAK?

TerryD · March 21st, 2008, 04:54 PM

Has anyone tried either of these?

I got my VM II last week, so I got IWB covered. But I want a OWB also, as I like to carry both ways. For some reason Milt doesn't make a lot of holsters for the Sig 220R, so I really only have 2 options from them.

I am leaning towards the I-BAK because when the holster starts to stretch, having the 2 belt loops spaced out like that, I figured it would take up some of the slack. Also it looks like it would ride a little "tighter" to the body than the 55 BN. But I like the looks of the BN more.

And I couldn't find any info as to how high they ride, as I prefer higher ride for a 5" pistol.

Glock30SF · March 21st, 2008, 05:25 PM

Don't know about those two but I just ordered one of these and a VM II from MS. This one will fit yours so you might want to consider it too.

Slide Guard

TerryD · March 21st, 2008, 06:07 PM

Just got off the phone with MS and found out a few interesting things.

First, I felt bad calling them cause they are so busy, and I don't want to hold them up with "stupid" questions. I have talked to them 3 times in my lifetime, and every time they are super nice, seem like we have all the time in the world, and patient. Customer Service departments need to consult them on how to treat people.

I think I am leaning towards the 55 BN now. I thought the I-BAK would ride closer to the body, but was told that is not really true. The 55 is their most popular OWB hoslter they make. Plus the reinforced holster mouth is a big plus for re-holstering in some of the classes I am planning on taking soon.

I am curious if I can use it in some of the competitions I plan on doing this year. I could just get a kydex for that, but the Blackhawk I tried already put more scratches on the pistol than I thought it should.

Supertac45 · March 21st, 2008, 06:45 PM

I'm wearing a 55BNH right now and it's my favorite OWB holster.

TerryD · March 21st, 2008, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Supertac45

I'm wearing a 55BNH right now and it's my favorite OWB holster.

Wouldn't happen to have a pic would ya?

If it's not too much trouble that is...

TerryD · March 21st, 2008, 07:34 PM

I don't want to start a new thread for this question, so I hope someone can help me.

I forgot to as if you can get a "body shield"/fat flap on the 55BN. I have heard they won't do this on their OWB holsters, just curious if anyone knows?

I can't call them till Monday, so I figured i'd ask here.

JerryM · March 21st, 2008, 08:29 PM

I have the I-BAK for a 1911 Compact SA. If I remember their other holsters, this is the lowest riding OWB. The muzzle clears the holster about at the top of the belt. I prefer low ride holsters.
I wanted a body shield on the I-BAK but they do not make one. I think they do not put a shield on their OWB. As much as I like the I-BAK, I have ordered one from K&D with a body shield.

Best,
Jerry

Bowie · March 21st, 2008, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JerryM

I have the I-BAK for a 1911 Compact SA. If I remember their other holsters, this is the lowest riding OWB. The muzzle clears the holster about at the top of the belt. I prefer low ride holsters.
I wanted a body shield on the I-BAK but they do not make one. I think they do not put a shield on their OWB. As much as I like the I-BAK, I have ordered one from K&D with a body shield.

Best,
Jerry

K&D does great work. I like the MS VMII, it is a great IWB holster. For OWB I like the K&D eagle defender.

TerryD, you might want to check them out, it sounds like they would fill your needs for OWB. The eagle defender is high ride, fits tight to the body, and you can get the body shield. I prefer the body shield as well and personally will not use a OWB that does not have it, just my preference.

JerryM · March 21st, 2008, 08:55 PM

HI Bowie,
The Eagle Defender is what I ordered. I have a Laredo Defender for my G26, and I agree that Kevin does fine work. I am looking forward to receiving the Eagle Defender. I know I will be pleased.

Regards,
Jerry

TerryD · March 21st, 2008, 09:35 PM

That K&D looks nice, really nice.

I just got my VM II the other day and am just blown away by how nice it really is. I had it ordered through MS, but on a whim I called Lightening Arms and they had one. So I figured since I am still "in-line" with MS, I would just get an OWB holster.

But I gotta say, the K&D's I have seen look really nice, if not on par with MS, and it would be cheaper. But I would also have a longer wait time with K&D as my MS will be ready in about 4 weeks.

Tough choices...

March 21st, 2008, 04:54 PM	#1
TerryD Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Kentucky Posts: 354	Tough choices, Milt Sparks 55 BN or I-BAK? Has anyone tried either of these? I got my VM II last week, so I got IWB covered. But I want a OWB also, as I like to carry both ways. For some reason Milt doesn't make a lot of holsters for the Sig 220R, so I really only have 2 options from them. I am leaning towards the I-BAK because when the holster starts to stretch, having the 2 belt loops spaced out like that, I figured it would take up some of the slack. Also it looks like it would ride a little "tighter" to the body than the 55 BN. But I like the looks of the BN more. And I couldn't find any info as to how high they ride, as I prefer higher ride for a 5" pistol. __________________ "Nice grips, weird choice of etching" Rocky

March 21st, 2008, 06:07 PM	#3
TerryD Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Kentucky Posts: 354	Just got off the phone with MS and found out a few interesting things. First, I felt bad calling them cause they are so busy, and I don't want to hold them up with "stupid" questions. I have talked to them 3 times in my lifetime, and every time they are super nice, seem like we have all the time in the world, and patient. Customer Service departments need to consult them on how to treat people. I think I am leaning towards the 55 BN now. I thought the I-BAK would ride closer to the body, but was told that is not really true. The 55 is their most popular OWB hoslter they make. Plus the reinforced holster mouth is a big plus for re-holstering in some of the classes I am planning on taking soon. I am curious if I can use it in some of the competitions I plan on doing this year. I could just get a kydex for that, but the Blackhawk I tried already put more scratches on the pistol than I thought it should. __________________ "Nice grips, weird choice of etching" Rocky

March 21st, 2008, 06:45 PM	#4
Supertac45 VIP Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Michigan's U.P. Posts: 3,314	I'm wearing a 55BNH right now and it's my favorite OWB holster. __________________ Les Baer 45 Sig Man N.R.A. Patron Life Member M.C.R.G.O.

March 21st, 2008, 07:34 PM	#6
TerryD Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Kentucky Posts: 354	I don't want to start a new thread for this question, so I hope someone can help me. I forgot to as if you can get a "body shield"/fat flap on the 55BN. I have heard they won't do this on their OWB holsters, just curious if anyone knows? I can't call them till Monday, so I figured i'd ask here. __________________ "Nice grips, weird choice of etching" Rocky

March 21st, 2008, 09:35 PM	#10
TerryD Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Kentucky Posts: 354	That K&D looks nice, really nice. I just got my VM II the other day and am just blown away by how nice it really is. I had it ordered through MS, but on a whim I called Lightening Arms and they had one. So I figured since I am still "in-line" with MS, I would just get an OWB holster. But I gotta say, the K&D's I have seen look really nice, if not on par with MS, and it would be cheaper. But I would also have a longer wait time with K&D as my MS will be ready in about 4 weeks. Tough choices... __________________ "Nice grips, weird choice of etching" Rocky

March 21st, 2008, 05:25 PM	#2
Glock30SF Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: S. FL Posts: 432	Don't know about those two but I just ordered one of these and a VM II from MS. This one will fit yours so you might want to consider it too. Slide Guard

March 21st, 2008, 08:29 PM	#7
JerryM Distinguished Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,694	I have the I-BAK for a 1911 Compact SA. If I remember their other holsters, this is the lowest riding OWB. The muzzle clears the holster about at the top of the belt. I prefer low ride holsters. I wanted a body shield on the I-BAK but they do not make one. I think they do not put a shield on their OWB. As much as I like the I-BAK, I have ordered one from K&D with a body shield. Best, Jerry

March 21st, 2008, 08:55 PM	#9
JerryM Distinguished Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,694	HI Bowie, The Eagle Defender is what I ordered. I have a Laredo Defender for my G26, and I agree that Kevin does fine work. I am looking forward to receiving the Eagle Defender. I know I will be pleased. Regards, Jerry

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